Guest User
October 4, 2024
I have traveled extensively in Europe, North America and the Near East and honestly, I have never been welcomed so heartily and genuinely anywhere. If you desire a cozy, convenient, gracious, historical, (consequently, there are a few delightful quirks given that the building is a 300 year-old former coaching inn), spotlessly clean, with absolutely world class cuisine and service, this is your home away from home. As I was a solo traveler, I elected for a single (room 5) that has all you need for a good bathroom and restful night. Not to be missed is the included, delicious breakfast with good Scottish fare (I personally love black pudding, so was in heaven), but there are choices for all palates (including vegetarian). Yet, make room for chef Susie's (sp?), Danny's & Sean's truly scrumptuous lunches and dinners (and desserts)! I'm telling you, you will not want to dine anywhere else. For all of the practical niceties (including the lovely architecture and beautiful, warm decor), the real "over-the-top out of the ballpark" hit is the staff. From the beginning and throughout my week-long stay, I felt that I was treated with genuine care, kindness and interest. Some of the kitchen standouts I've noted above, but other staff to include Anna, Natasha and Louis (sp?) and Danny #2 were also exceptional...and I mean exceptional. As a solo traveler, I have found restaurants often less than enthusiastic in hosting me...not at the Inverkip hotel. I purposely tried to dine when I knew they would be less busy, and I was always thrilled to sit in the "front room" (very cozy) where I enjoyed delicious meals and excellent service. The hotel has several dining rooms, one with a lovely fireplace, and an attached delightful pub. In the summer, there is a covered garden bar as well, that I believe is also open for Christmas and New Year. Now for some practicalities...as I mentioned, given that this is an over 300 year-old former coaching inn, there is not a lift to the 5 upstairs rooms, and the stairs are a somewhat steep, narrow circular architectural gem. The rooms are beautifully decorated and very comfortable with varied sizes and views. An option for those less ambulatory might be the self-catering unit owned by the hotel. There is a lovely kettle, coffees, teas, hot chocolate and sweeteners in your room, and fresh cream is available downstairs from the kitchen. There is no fridge or microwave. If you arrive by car there is ample, free off-street parking, but honestly, I did not find a car necessary. I took a taxi from GLA to Paisley Gilmour Street and ScotRail to Inverkip Station (with a short downhill walk to the hotel). Yet, I would suggest a pre-booked taxi from/to GLA. I paid £55 from Inverkip to GLA with a pre-booked Inverclyde Taxi (plus tip). To get around the Inverclyde area I took the wonderful McGill's public busses (stops right outside the hotel) using their app for tickets, especially up to Wemyss Bay for the Caledonian MacBra